Belmopan. March 23, 2020. The Government of Belize has declared a state of emergency for Ambergris Caye with immediate effect for 72 hours. This will allow the Ministry of Health time to conduct the proper mapping and tracing of contacts following the announcement of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye.
Residents of Ambergris Caye are being placed under mandatory quarantine. People will not be allowed to leave or return to the island over the next 72 hours. Leaving home is highly discouraged unless completely unavoidable. Unauthorized vessels will be banned from leaving or arriving to the island.
Additionally, with immediate effect, all bars, clubs, and casinos countrywide will be closed. Restaurants will be closed for dining-in effective Wednesday, March 25th at 11:59 p.m. Thereafter, only take-out services will be allowed.